The jury that is overseeing the defamation case against Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has begun the second day of deliberations at Fairfax, Virginia.
Depp filed a lawsuit against Heard His ex-wife, Heard was accused of defamation about an opinion piece she published in the year 2018 published in The Washington Post, titled: “I spoke up against sexual harassment.”
Depp filed a lawsuit against Heard the ex-wife of his, to defend herself against defamation claims based on an opinion piece she wrote in the year 2018, published in The Washington Post, titled: “I spoke up against sexual violence and was subject to the wrath of society. This has to be changed.” Although Depp was not mentioned in the op-article, Depp claims her claims caused him to be unable to secure film roles.
Heard she countersued her ex-husband accusing him of conducting a “smear campaign” against her and describing his suit as an extension of “abuse and harassment.”
Depp has demanded $50 million in damages. Heard has demanded $100 million as well as immunity from Depp’s claims.
The trial of Depp’s suit was commenced on April 11. Six weeks of evidence painted an eerie picture of the turbulent relationship, as jurors were able to hear evidence from the actors and several other witnesses who were close to the couple.
Both sides gave final arguments last Thursday (27 May) before the case was handed over to the jury. They debated for around two hours before breaking up for the three-day weekend. Wednesday (31 May) is the first day of debate.
Here’s what’s to come:
What time will it be the decision?
After the closing arguments, jurors were instructed to take a break to deliberate and then reach an opinion on whether, or not, based on the light of probabilities, Heard did defame Depp in the Washington Post article that was at the heart of the trial.
If the jury decides she committed the crime, Heard will be ordered to pay Depp the $50m he’s seeking compensation for his loss of earnings, however, the court could recommend that Depp be compensated more or less than that amount.
Even if the victim did not receive the amount he claimed for damages. His legal team will still have to praise the result as a vindication of its arguments and declare that their client’s reputation is restored.
If the jury rule in favor of Ms. Heard If the jury decides in favor of Ms. Heard Depp is not going to get anything and could even have to be ordered by a judge to give his ex-wife the $100 million she demanded to settle her lawsuit.
The jurors may decide that the number is either too high or not enough and suggest a reduction accordingly.
It’s hard to know what time frame it will take for the jury to consider Depp’s allegations of defamation, particularly given the plethora of evidence that was presented.
Following the beginning of deliberations on 27 May, jurors are scheduled to have an entire three-day holiday in honor of Memorial Day before resuming on Monday, May 31.
